My Letter to Future Goers

When I first arrived in Bulgaria, I knew that the 2 years would be fun and exciting but also challenging and difficult. I’m still processing my time there but overall here are just some of my thoughts and small bits of advice. Just like everyone else in life, there were seasons of highs and lows - however, being on a specific team with the same goals and desires to serve and minister to Bulgaria was one of the most grounding aspects of my time overseas in missions. Much of my struggles came from either miscommunication or misaligned expectations. Try to do your best to eliminate both of these before going into the field and your path will be smoother. However, it is impossible to not have any of either, and so lean into grace and Christ when handling situations of conflict that arise from these 2 things.

Also, being in the mission field is lonely at times, especially as a single male. I’m grateful to the Lord for placing me in a time where we are given the accessibility to video call and reach anybody at anytime in any place of the world right in the palm of our hands. I've seen though firsthand from my leaders, that having a joy from the Lord and loving the people and culture where you are is key to sustaining the hardships of doing cross cultural ministry. I'm really grateful for Bob's joy and passion for Bulgarian history and culture and the way he uses that to create bridges with people into long term relationships for the kingdom. My time in Bulgaria was definitely a unique one as I’ve had many different short term missions experiences, but this was the first mid-term length experience. I would say, definitely be wise in deciding where you go along with who you go with. After God, your time will mostly be spent with your team and the work you are doing. But more importantly, seek the Lord and His face before and especially during your time overseas.

5 Things That I Wish I Did More Of or Knew Beforehand

1. How to balance and appreciate time with people around you and with those back home.

Stay connected with those back home that love you and are praying and supporting you from a far, but also lean into new relationships where you are because they will be the ones to shape how your ministry and time overseas looks like.

2. Immerse yourself as much as you can early on.

The earlier you find locals that you can do life with and practice speaking the language, the better off your long term ability to make connections and do ministry.

3. Take risks, get out of your comfort zone and pray.

Don’t be afraid to try new things - especially ones that entail meeting new people groups because you never know how God will use you and put someone in your path! And pray for the Lord to use all these situations for His glory.

4. Learning to wait while praying more for your work on the ground.

There will likely be a lot of down time or at least the pace of life will be quite different for you if coming from America. Ministry work takes time, so learn how to wait on the Lord and hope in prayer alongside your team.

5. Share your joys, frustrations, and emotions with the Lord and with your team.

Be open with your feelings, your victories and struggles. Bring them to God and rejoice in being known and seen by him. Also do this with your team because they are the ones you will spend the most time with regardless of how close you may feel to them.

Lastly, if you are thinking about missions, I encourage you to test the waters first! Although, if you have been given a strong calling from the Lord to go right into it full steam ahead, then follow Him and trust in His guidance! As I mentioned earlier in the 5 Things, number one dealt with people. If you are going overseas, remember that we are not firstly called to go, but to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind and then secondly to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:35-40). So long as you do this, I am certain that your 2 years or more overseas will be fruitful and a blessing to your walk of the way.

“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” - Isaiah 30:18 (ESV)